Pirate Ship Dress With A Circle Skirt: Tutorial

I found this applique on a tshirt at the thrift shop. I bought it for one dollar and cut the applique off to use on the skirt.I have been working on a small collection for my littlest girl inspired by a nautical theme. Honestly,is there anything cuter than a wee one in a sailor dress? Think Shirley Temple meets Harajuku Girls for this one my friends.

First make a pattern for a circle skirt. To figure out your waist radius take waist measurement add two inches and divide by 6.28. Gig's measurement was 22 inches so my waist radius on the pattern was 3.5 inches. The pattern is cut out in fourths. 

Add 2 inch to the length you want to include the hem and elastic waist casing.

Add 1/2 inch to the side for seam allowance.

Lay the pattern on fabric that has been folded into fourths, making sure the pattern is lined up on the folds and not the cut edges.

Here is the skirt folded in hald.

Make the top pattern.

Measure child's

Waist

Armpit to waist

Shoulder to neck length.

Circumference of neck and armpit.

Fold top fabric and half and mark these measurements onto the fabric.

Add 2 inches to the waist measurement.

This was my top after I cut it out with the measurements I figured.

I lengthened the neck to create a boat neck.

I also added one 1 1/2 inches to the length so the top could include the elastic casing.

Use your top pattern to make a neck facing.

Sew the facing to the top right sides together. Flip and press.

Topstitch neck with a double needle.

Sew waist with a 1 1/4 inch seam allowance.

Now press up the skirt and top seam allowance and sew a new seam 

at the edge of the seam allowance. Leave one inch open to insert elastic.

Insert 3/4 inch elastic cut to your child's waist measurement.

I also made a little hole in the front casing and put some navy rope string through to make a tie.

Now make a little slit at the back neck or else the top won't go over your toddler's big head! Make a small biNding for it about an inch wide and sew on a snap too.And yes, the inside of this dress is that messy! Something I must work on folks!

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